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Globally, a remarkable transformation is underway, characterized by an unprecedented pace of digitization and rising reliance on Artificial Intelligence (AI), innovation, and scientific research.
Aligning with this, the Global Knowledge Index (GKI) 2025 report highlights how knowledge transcends its traditional role in education, information dissemination, and intellectual enrichment, emerging as a cornerstone of national competitiveness. It further serves as the primary driver of modern economies, reinforcing societies’ ability to adapt to global shifts.
Published annually by the Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Knowledge Foundation (MBRF) and the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), GKI is followed closely by policymakers around the world. It underscores that developing integrated knowledge economies is a strategic necessity for sustainable development, while continuous investment in education, research and development (R&D), innovation, and digital infrastructure helps strengthen economic resilience, promote stability, and elevate quality of life.
195 countries and 3 million downloads
The Index expanded its scope to include 195 countries, growing from 141 in its inaugural edition. Moreover, total report downloads exceeded 3 million, reinforcing its position as a trusted international reference for measuring global knowledge performance.
Beyond general overviews, GKI employs a comprehensive scientific methodology to track performance across education, scientific research, innovation, and ICT. This serves as a roadmap to identify strengths, challenges, and developmental gaps, empowering decision-makers to formulate data-driven policies that mitigate crises and accelerate growth.
In addition, GKI reveals that AI and modern digital technologies play an important role in shaping knowledge production. Integrating these technologies across economic and social sectors is now a strategic imperative for future readiness, alongside human capital investment and fostering innovative environments.
High income vs. knowledge excellence
The GKI 2025 report reveals significant performance disparities, proving that economic strength alone does not ensure knowledge excellence. Switzerland led the global ranking with 67.8 points, while Guyana scored 29.5 points, indicating a 38.3-point gap despite both being classified as high-income nations.
This disparity highlights that high income alone cannot guarantee knowledge superiority without long-term investment in education, research, and innovation. The report further identifies R&D and innovation as the sectors with the largest gaps, going up to 51 points.
The UAE continues to enhance its global standing, ranking 26th among 74 countries in the ‘Very High Human Development’ category. This spotlights the country’s strategic focus on human capital, innovation ecosystems, and establishing knowledge as a key pillar of development.
Knowledge Summit 2026 to unveil new GKI
The GKI 2026 will leverage updated measurement and analytical tools, aligning with rapid advancements in AI, emerging technologies, and the digital economy. Bolstered by these changes, it will continue to serve as a vital international reference for framing knowledge-based development policies.
MBRF and UNDP will launch the next report at Knowledge Summit 2026, to be held on 17-18 November at the Dubai World Trade Centre. Themed ‘Knowledge: Navigating Crises in a Changing World’, the summit will convene global decision-makers, experts, and researchers to explore the future of knowledge, examine technology-driven transformations, and showcase international best practices for building future-ready economies and societies.